When we do not use an article 📕

In many cases, English uses no article at all. We call this the zero article.

Talking about things in general

Use plural or uncountable nouns with no article:

✓ Dogs are friendly. (dogs in general)

✓ I like music.

✓ Life is not always easy.

✗ The life is not always easy.

Meals, days, months and languages

✓ I have breakfast at seven.

✓ See you on Monday.

✓ My birthday is in May.

✓ She speaks English and Arabic.

Some places: school, work, bed, home

When we think about the purpose of the place, we use no article:

I go to work by bus.

The children are at school.

It is late. I am going to bed.

I am at home.

But: I went to the school to talk to the teacher. (the building, not to study)

Transport with by

by bus, by car, by train, by plane

But: on the bus, in the car

Names of people, most countries and cities

✓ Ali lives in Bergen.

✗ The Ali lives in the Bergen.